AN angry resident claims a council plan to get rid of direct debit payments is “age discrimination”.

Maldon District Council is planning to bring in a digital payment system for green waste collections in April 2021.

But one resident claims the move is “discrimination of the worst kind”.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “As from next year you will be unable to pay by direct debit for this service. Yes, you have guessed it – digitalisation.

“Now you must have a computer to pay for this service, but what about the poor and especially the elderly who don’t have or want, or cannot afford a PC or Mac?

“Yes, again you guessed it – age discrimination, which I believe is illegal now.

“How do these people pay for this service?

“I have a neighbour who is in her 80s. She phoned the council and was told to try a relative or neighbour who has a PC to pay for her waste service or come into the council office and they may be able to do something there.

“So, it seems that the easy way of direct debit is now not good enough and the council wants the rate payers to do the council’s job for them.

“This is discrimination of the worst kind.

“I am not any kind of activist, but I was incensed at the arrogance that this is the only way to pay now.”

But Maldon District Council has defended the move.

A spokesman said: “The council is currently improving the services delivered to our customers enabling many to be available on line 24/7.

“Some of these new services will require customers to create an online account to ensure that we are able to send information and updates to them. From April 2021 it is our intention that the chargeable green waste service will be delivered as an online service.

“In order to assist customers to prepare for this change we are asking them to register their email details with us.

“There will be no change for the current year, and from April 2021 customers will still be able to pay online or by telephone for this service.

“Customers can register their email details directly with us through a simple online form, or if they are unable to do so can ask a family member or friend or our customers team to do this on their behalf.

“We are giving a full year’s notice to our customers to help ensure they are ready for the change, and a range of support to enable customers to access digital services is available via our partners, including Moat Housing Association, the libraries service and Citizens Advice.

“The council also has dedicated computers available for customers to use, and staff to assist and support customers to access online services.

“We will of course continue to support our most vulnerable residents, including those who are unable to access digital services.”